Final 709Connect Thursday

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Morton Times-News - Morton, IL

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Posted Nov. 28, 2012 at 7:00 AM

Posted Nov. 28, 2012 at 7:00 AM

The final 709Connect community workshop will be held in the cafeteria at Morton High School beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. At that session participants will review statements of recommendation that will be presented to the District 709 Board of Education. Participants are invited to arrive early — at 6 p.m. — to enjoy music by the MHS orchestra group Prelude. MHS students will also be available at the Illinois Street entrance and the canopy entrance to escort participants to the cafeteria. Refreshments will also be served.

Some of the more than 30 recommendations that will be reviewed may include - Conduct an in-depth study of the cost and benefits of implementing full-day kindergarten, develop a long-range finance and facility master plan, implement more effective communication techniques and procedures, and consider county-wide sales tax as an alternative funding source for facility improvements.

709Connect community workshop sessions began in early August and topics have included District communications, the general state of the District, finances, facilities and curriculum/programming.

Two community members, Mary Jane Johnson and Kelly Scarfe, have led the effort. They have been assisted by a 20-member Coordinating Group consisting of parents, residents, business representatives and staff.

"We are so grateful for the tremendous response from the community, their insight and their input – the recommendations will provide our Board with a strong framework to develop and communicate a long range vision for the District. I hope that 709Connect will continue, as it has opened the door to true community engagement," Mary Jane Johnson, community co-chair for 709Connect, said.

After receiving feedback and input from participants attending the Thursday session the finalized statements of recommendation will be formally presented to the Board of Education on Dec. 11.